Olympus Stylus 1 puts high-end superzoom features into OM-D body

Olympus has thrown its hat into the premium superzoom ring with the Stylus 1. It combines a larger-than-average 1/1.7"-type BSI-CMOS sensor with a 28-300mm equivalent, F2.8 zoom lens, high resolution EVF, 'hybrid' control ring, and Wi-Fi - and packs it all into a compact body that strongly resembles the OM-D EM-5. Other notable features include a built-in ND filter, tilting touchscreen LCD, in-camera Raw processing, and 1080p movie recording.

If you want more zoom power, then you can pick up a 1.7x teleconverter, which increases the telephoto end of the lens to 510mm (though the camera quickly becomes a lot less portable).

The Stylus 1 will be available in December for a list price of $699.99 / £549.99.

CENTER VALLEY, PA., October 29, 2013 – Olympus has redefined the enthusiast compact camera by uniting many of the best features found across its camera lineup in the new STYLUS. Designed for semi-pro shooters who demand optical brilliance, DSLR operation, convenience and portability, this one-size-fits-all package has head-turning, OM-inspired looks as well as premium imaging performance.

The STYLUS 1 includes an i.ZUIKO lens that incorporates the outstanding optical quality of the Olympus ZUIKO interchangeable lenses. At its heart is a large 1/1.7-inch BSI CMOS sensor and TruePic VI image processor along with additional features, including the built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) from the award-winning Olympus OM-D E-M5® and Wi-Fi for shooting and sharing anywhere. Whether you want the latest and greatest high-tech tool, or if you simply prefer something that is lightweight and easy to take when you are on the go, there is truly something for everyone.

One Great Lens The newly developed, ultra-slim 10.7x (28–300mm*) high-power i.ZUIKO lens features constant f2.8 brightness across the zoom range and is versatile enough to capture wide to telephoto shots and produce pro-quality stills with beautiful, defocused backgrounds and crisp images even when telephoto shooting in low light. The large diameter lens incorporates a powerful, built-in VCM image stabilization mechanism that virtually eliminates camera shake and blur. Its lens can also capture stunning macro shots from 2 inches away. When the lens is not in use, it retracts fully into the camera body (behind a removable automatic lens cap), so the STYLUS 1 fits easily into a coat pocket.

One Great Sensor Olympus designed the new lens to work seamlessly with its 12.0 megapixel 1/1.7-inch high-sensitivity backlit CMOS sensor and TruePicVI image processor, the same processor used in the Olympus OM-D E-M5, for fast recovery time and shutter speed to capture images with rich details and low noise. Images come through with true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression. The STYLUS 1 also inherits FAST TOUCH AF system from the Olympus PEN® series for near-instant, precision focusing via the tilt-able LCD touchscreen monitor.

One Great Electronic Viewfinder The STYLUS 1 is the first Olympus enthusiast, premium compact camera equipped with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). The 1.44 million dot resolution LCD EVF has a 1.15x viewfinder magnification rate (equivalent to 0.58x of 35mm film camera) and 100 percent field of view — just like a DSLR — so users can easily compose their subjects directly with clear visibility from the center to the edges. The eye sensor automatically switches the live view display from the high-resolution 3.0-inch, 1.04 million dot resolution tilt-able LCD touchscreen monitor to the EVF in no time as the camera approaches the user’s eye. A variety of information is displayed in an easy-to-view layout on the EVF screen, including variables such as exposure and color.

Operability for all Shooting Styles The STYLUS 1 incorporates an ideal blend of effective, hands-on controls, including a hybrid control ring similar to the one found on the Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 iHS. The control ring is built around the lens and can be switched between digital and analog operation with the control lever located on the front of the camera. In digital mode, the ring turns smoothly for fine zooming or manual focusing, and in analog mode, users can adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed and more. The front grip ensures a precise hold, while the sub-dial, positioned near the shutter button, provides further operational accuracy. The camera is also equipped with a hot shoe for accessories, built-in flash, a side zoom lever with variable speeds and two customizable function buttons for easy access to commonly used settings.

Wi-Fi Sharing and Control Built-in Wi-Fi is easy to set up. By quickly scanning the QR code displayed on the camera's LCD with a smart device, it syncs with the Wi-Fi network created by the camera. The free Olympus Image Share 2.1 Smartphone app synchronizes a user’s Smartphone and the STYLUS 1 so the camera’s “Live View” is effectively displayed on the phone, and the camera can be controlled by touching the Smartphone display*. Users can wirelessly adjust various settings, such as the shutter speed, aperture value, ISO and exposure compensation, as well as operate the Live Bulb shooting mode from their Wi-Fi devices. They can also use their Smartphone to embed GPS information into their images.

Creative Possibilities In addition to superior still image quality, the 1080p Full HD Movie capability with stereo sound and high-speed movie recording (120fps/240fps) captures movies for dramatic slow-motion playback of fast-action scenes. The STYLUS 1’s 11 included Art Filters™ with bracketing option, five Art Effects and Photo Story™, which shoots a group of still photos straight into attractive, prepared layouts, effortlessly bring the user’s artistic visions to life. Users can also capture RAW image data for post-processing flexibility, create motion blur effects without overexposing thanks to a built-in ND filter (with 3 EV stops) and capture up to 7 frames per second in full resolution!

Several new accessories are designed to complement the STYLUS 1 and broaden the creative potential of this powerhouse compact camera. The EP-11 eyecup cuts out peripheral light for improved visibility in bright conditions; a full-body jacket protects the camera against damage and comes with a tailored cover, and the CLA-13 converter adapter for the high-grade TCON-17x 1.7x teleconverter lens that extends the focal length of the camera to 510mm and retains the outstanding brightness of a constant 1:2.8 aperture.

*35mm equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability The Olympus STYLUS 1 will be available in December 2013. Estimated Street Price: $699.99 Available in Black

Comments

Okay, so this "superzoom" is pretty much like all the others, but for Olympus, the widest angle setting is at 28mm, not at 24mm. Call me picky, but I want something WIDER than just 28mm on my fixed lens camera.

Also, Dear DP Review -- what statistical data analysis was used in arriving at the surprising conclusion that a 1/1.7-inch sensor is "larger than average?" What exactly is the "average" sensor size of digital cameras today, please? Once we know that, we will then know if a 1/1.7-inch sensor size is larger or perhaps smaller than this "average."

Don't buy this thing for VIDEO -- it really cannot do any more tricks in video than your run of the mill $100 P&S can deliver. PR release states this thing has image stabilization, but I see nothing that would suggest this is the coveted 5-axis IS system.

Altogether, and considering that a /1.7-inch sensor size is considered by most to be D-E-A-D, this thing at a whopping 700 buckaroos is way overpriced for what Oly will give you.

Time to stop calling 1/1.7 sensor a larger sensor. It's one up from the bottom. FF, APS-C, M4/3, 1" etc. All these cameras should strive for a 2/3 in sensor at a minimum; really 1" like Sony and Nikon 1.

Not sure if it is Olymus or DP Review who waxes poetic about this camera having "a larger-than-average" sensor. I guess if the "average" sensor size is 12/3-inch or 1/2.3-inch, than 1/1.7-inch sensor is larger. I just don't think that a 1/1.7-inch sensor is larger than any average I know of when it comes to the full gamut of sensor sizes out there, from 1/3-inch to 65mm/medium format.

The FZ200 is a much larger camera. I think you'd be able to fit the Stylus 1 into a coat pocket. Not a chance with the FZ200. At least not without creating a huge bulge. The Stylus 1 is admirably slim.

How many long zoom cameras with a faster than F/2.8 lens do you know of? And how many with a constant max aperture of F/2.8? FZ200, RX10 and the Stylus 1 are the only ones I can think of, so one of the slowest on the market is just not true.

There are still people here that obviously do not understand anything about "equivalent aperture". The dpreview chart shows equivalence for the same DEPTH OF FIELD. In terms of speed, F2.8 is F2.8 whatever the sensor size.

@Karolly DoF is not a subject of my post, but equivalent aperture has a side you miss my friend - the speed is the same agreed, but what about the photon gathering capacity of sensors of different size as per equal time/speed? You missed my complete point but answered ;-)

This is a very weak, and even ignorant, criticism. The reality is that they could have made it a lot slower, or given it a variable aperture that ended at a much slower aperture at the tele end. But instead, they give you a constant aperture, as fast as they can do, still put it in a very slim body profile, and all people like you can do with whine and moan and complain. LOL. Absurd.

Here's a tip for you: if you don't like this "strange" camera, then just move along. That's why it's good to have diversity in the marketplace: so people can find the right fit for them. I guess if it were up to people like you, there would be a LOT less choices in the marketplace, because you have such a narrow mind.

"the speed is the same agreed, but what about the photon gathering capacity of sensors of different size as per equal time/speed?"

There is always compromise to EVERYTHING. Most adults understand this. Maybe you should too.

People don't seem to understand that a large sensor cannot be couples with a small body and a large range zoom lens, especially with a constant 2.8 aperture.There are other options for ppl who want this, as for this model it seems to be one of the very few superzooms with a decent enough sized sensor and a fast lens. Most of these use 1/2.3" sensors.

Are you kidding.... this is the perfect compliment to my Oly line.... for the rest of my family... they hate using my E-3 and I hate them trying. Getting one of these will be easy to take for the day trips where my E-3 is too much but we want something to take photo's with other then the stupid iphone!

Kudo's Oly, i'm sure the market for this is larger than just my demographic and it will be a hit!